A small bowel capsule endoscopy is only indicated for patients who have a history or gastrointestinal bleeding and who have already had a colonoscopy and an EGD but the source of the bleeding has not been found yet. In this case, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is necessary since it is the best way to obtain extensive images of the small intestine.

Our practice uses the PillCam Imaging system which is manufactured by Givens Imaging, the leader in the industry.

PillCam SB is the most widely used, patient-friendly tool for visualization of the entire small bowel and is the standard of care for detecting small bowel abnormalities. It is the only capsule endoscope indicated for use in patients two years of age and older.

The PillCam SB video capsule measures 11mm x 26mm and weighs less than four grams. The video capsule contains an imaging device and light source at both ends of the capsule and transmits images at a rate of two images per second, generating more than 50,000 pictures during the eight-hour procedure.

PillCam SB was initially cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001. Now in its second-generation, PillCam SB 2 captures the broadest mucosal area per image with the widest field-of-view. In addition, advanced optics and Automatic Light Control provide optimal image quality and illumination.

How the Procedure Works

Patients typically begin fasting at midnight the day before the procedure. The following morning you would arrive at your doctor’s office to be prepped for the procedure. The nurse will fit you with a comfortable belt (SensorBelt), containing sensors, with easy-fasten straps for quick adjustments and removal. After being fitted with the belt, you will be given a glass of water to help swallow the vitamin-sized pill. After you have successfully swallowed the PillCam video capsule, you will be able to resume daily activities. After eight hours, you will be asked to return to the physician’s office with the SensorBelt and DataRecorder. The PillCam video capsule passes naturally with a bowel movement, usually within 24 hours.